Isaac Zamora

Mass Murderer

Isaac Zamora and the 2008 Skagit County Shooting Rampage

Background

Isaac Zamora was a 28-year-old resident of Alger, a rural community in Skagit County, Washington, when he carried out a deadly shooting rampage on September 2, 2008. Over approximately two hours, Zamora moved between several homes, roads and businesses, killing six people and injuring four others. One of those killed was a Skagit County sheriff's deputy who had previously attempted to help Zamora and his family. Zamora had a documented history of criminal behavior, substance abuse and serious mental-health problems. Family members said his condition had deteriorated over several years. He sometimes lived in the woods and later occupied a trailer on property belonging to his family near Alger. He had worked as a house painter but reportedly became increasingly troubled after suffering an injury, developing a dependence on pain medication and experiencing the end of a personal relationship. During the months before the killings, Zamora served approximately six months in the Skagit County Jail for felony drug possession. He was released on August 6, 2008, less than one month before the rampage. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. He was also expected to undergo a mental-health evaluation following his release, but the evaluation had not been completed by September 2.

The Beginning of the Rampage

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on September 2, Zamora entered a neighbor's property near his family's home in Alger. He stole firearms, including a lever-action rifle, and displayed increasingly erratic behavior. His mother, Dennise Zamora, contacted authorities and asked for assistance. Skagit County Sheriff's Deputy Anne Jackson, 40, was dispatched to the area. Jackson knew the Zamora family and had responded to previous incidents involving Isaac. She had reportedly told his mother that she could contact her whenever the family needed help. When Jackson arrived near the Zamora property, Zamora confronted and fatally shot her. Her killing transformed what had begun as a trespassing and welfare-related call into a rapidly developing regional emergency. Zamora then continued moving through the neighborhood, entering properties and attacking residents who encountered him.

Killings in Alger

Zamora first killed 58-year-old Chester Malcolm Rose near the group of homes surrounding the Zamora property. He then attacked additional residents in the rural Alger neighborhood. Julie Ann Binschus, 48, David Thomas Radcliffe, 57, and Gregory Neil Gillum, 38, were also fatally shot during this portion of the rampage. Several other people were injured but survived. Richard Treston was stabbed during an encounter with Zamora. Fred Binschus was shot and wounded. The attacks occurred across more than one property, forcing responding deputies to search a large wooded area while attempting to identify the shooter's location and assist the victims. Witness accounts and the discovery of multiple crime scenes initially made it difficult for authorities to determine how many attackers were involved. Officers established roadblocks and warned residents to remain inside. Zamora escaped from the neighborhood in a vehicle before authorities could contain him. ...

Confirmed Victims: (6)

Julie Ann Binschus 47 yr old Female

Convicted murderer Isaac Zamora wants to withdraw guilty ...